This Secret Pool in Texas Has a 23-Foot Pirate Ship Water Playground

Most Central Texas families know about Schlitterbahn and the big water parks that charge $50 or more per person and require a full-day commitment.

Fewer know about Micki Krebsbach Pool, a city-run aquatic center in Round Rock where admission costs a few dollars, the crowds stay manageable, and a 23-foot-tall pirate ship rises from the shallow water like something borrowed from a resort.

It’s the kind of place where families spread out on the deck, kids rotate between attractions, and summer afternoons feel exactly the way they should—without the parking hassles, entrance lines, or credit card damage of the commercial parks.

Where Micki Krebsbach Pool Is Located

The pool sits at 301 Deepwood Drive in Round Rock, tucked into a residential neighborhood just north of Austin.

From downtown Austin, the drive takes about 25 minutes, depending on traffic.

The facility is part of the City of Round Rock Parks and Recreation system, one of three municipal outdoor pools the city operates during the summer months.

The pool shares its address with Micki Krebsbach Park, which means families can combine a swim day with playground time and open green space.

The parking lot accommodates the summer crowds, and the location keeps the vibe relaxed.

The Pirate Ship and Water Features

The centerpiece of Micki Krebsbach Pool is the pirate ship—26 feet long and 23 feet high, with climbing angles that challenge kids of all ages, two slides built into the structure, and water cannons that spray across the shallow pool area.

The ship sits in water shallow enough for younger children to wade safely while parents watch from the deck or splash alongside them.

Separate from the pirate ship, a large water slide requires riders to be at least 48 inches tall.

This is the thrill ride that draws older kids and teenagers—a fast descent that deposits swimmers into deeper water.

The height requirement keeps the slide moving efficiently during peak hours, with lifeguards supervising from multiple positions around the pool.

Between the pirate ship and the large slide, the pool also features a crate walk—a water crossing obstacle where guests navigate floating platforms to reach the other side.

Like the large slide, the crate walk requires a 48-inch height minimum and provides an athletic challenge that appeals to kids who want more than just swimming.

The Full Pool Complex

Beyond the interactive features, Micki Krebsbach Pool offers traditional swimming areas.

Multiple lanes accommodate lap swimming—one lane is allocated for lap swim during all recreational swim hours—while open swim areas give families room to spread out and play.

The pool ranges from shallow beach-entry sections perfect for toddlers to deeper areas for confident swimmers.

The deck includes seating areas, picnic tables, and some shade structures, though visitors note that shade can be limited during peak afternoon hours.

A grass area nearby offers additional space for families to set up, and a sand volleyball court provides another activity option for older kids and adults.

Snacks are available for purchase at the pool, and outside food and drinks are permitted.

Floatation devices for small children are allowed, making it easier for parents to help little ones enjoy the water safely.

Admission and Hours

The price point is what makes Micki Krebsbach Pool a genuine hidden gem. Current admission runs $3 for youth ages 17 and under, $4 for adults ages 18-49, and $3 for seniors 50 and over.

A family of four can swim all afternoon for roughly $15—a fraction of what the commercial water parks charge for a single ticket.

The pool operates seasonally, typically opening Memorial Day weekend and running through mid-August. Regular summer hours are 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily, though the pool closes one day per week.

The City of Round Rock eliminated non-resident fees, so admission is the same for everyone regardless of where you live. Payment by credit card, check, or cash is accepted.

Tips for Visiting

Arrive early in the season to avoid the largest crowds—late May and early June tend to be less packed than July.

Bring your own towels, sunscreen, and shade if you want it—umbrellas or pop-up tents can claim space on the grass area.

The limited deck shade fills quickly on hot days. Floaties and life jackets for small children are permitted and recommended for non-swimmers.

Check the City of Round Rock Parks and Recreation website for current hours, any special events like the annual Pirate Party, and potential closures for weather or maintenance. The phone number for the pool is (512) 218-7090.

For more information about the Micki Krebsbach Pool, visit the City of Round Rock Parks website at roundrocktexas.gov or follow local community pages for real-time updates during the summer season.

Use the map to locate this community aquatic center tucked inside a neighborhood park in Round Rock, just north of Austin.

Where: 301 Deepwood Drive, Round Rock, TX 78681

Micki Krebsbach Pool isn’t just a neighborhood pool—it’s a surprisingly exciting summer escape where a towering pirate ship, a thrilling water slide, and a relaxed local atmosphere make it one of Round Rock’s best hidden aquatic gems.